History:Â
This base was originally opened as North Concord AFS and became operational in 1956. It was equipped with AN/MPS-11 and AN/MPS-14 radars. In 1958, the AN/FPS-6A height-finder radar was added, and in 1959, an AN/FPS-3. In 1959, it became part of the SAGE system, feeding data to Topsham AFS. In August, 1962, the station began reporting to Steward AFB in New York.
In March, 1962, the station was renamed Lyndonville AFS and towers were constructed for an AN/FPS-27 search radar, and an AN/FPS-26 height-finder. Early in 1963, the AN/FPS-26 was installed, but the station was marked for closure in March of that year before the AN/FPS-27 was to be installed. Operations officially ceased on August 1, 1963.
There's an interesting anecdote about this station having reported an unidentified flying object in 1961 just a couple of hours before the alleged abduction of Barney and Betty Hill. This sighting apparently lasted 18 minutes.
Personal Commentary:Â
I arrived at the gate in late afternoon and began my trip along the narrow, disused, tree-lined road. First, I encountered a cluster of buildings that appeared to include barracks, a mess hall, etc., but my real goal was still ahead. The road got steeper, switching back and forth as it climbed the mountain. Finally, I reached the top and was greeted by the most amazing mountain-top view I'd seen in a long time, and several abandoned radar towers.
I began working my way through the site as the sun slowly sank. By the time I was finished, and managed to get back to the bottom of the mountain, I was completely submerged in darkness and looking for a place to stay the night.
